The first day of a new month and the first day on our Japanese cruise. What better way to celebrate than to break out this gorgeous piece. The Kuoe Old Smith 90-007 is just amazing. I still can’t believe it is only a 35mm dial. The dial does not look small, it is super easy to read and the Italian Cordovan Leather strap feels amazing. I am so glad I changed to the butterfly clasp, I would hate to see the wear marks on such a beautiful watch. Case: 35 x 35 x 11.75 mm Lug-to-Lug: 42.3 mm Lug Width: 18 mm Band Length: 14 - 19.5 cm - Case: 316L stainless steel - Band: Italian cordovan leather - Dial: Brown/Bronze Sunburst - Glass: Domed-shaped sapphire glass with AR coating - Automatic with hand-wound and hacking - CITIZEN MIYOTA Japanese movement, Cal.82s5 - Domed-shaped sapphire glass with AR coating - Exhibition case back - Push/Pull crown - Water resistance: 5 BAR - Power reserve: ~42 hours - Accuracy: -20 to +40 seconds per day

While we all have the same itch when it comes to loving and acquiring a new watch. You look, you save, you scheme, you wait, you dream and then you bring it home. There is such a special feeling that happens when you’ve been pining away looking for the “one” or in most cases the “next one” 😜 I’ve been a collector of sorts for years. But I also have several heirlooms that have been entrusted to me that I love. And those here who know me know I’m a sucker for an heirloom and their story!! 😇🙏 I have been diving into amateur watchmaking for over a year as a hobby. I’ve taken a class or 2 done some online studying and have bought tools and practice movements. All of this is because my favorite uncle has given me some of his old watches that he doesn’t wear anymore and don’t run and I thought it would be really neat to service them myself and get them running. Ideally while he’s still alive 🙏. I would also like to be able to buy some old watches on eBay as an example and service them and give them to friends and family so they can have a story for them to continue with me being small part of it. Today I took the Hampden watch company class in Chicago https://hampdenwatch.com/pages/first-hand-chicago-watchmaking-workshop I must say they exceeded my expectations!! I arrived to a waiting workbench with all the tools needed. They presented me with a movement then through their guidance I disassembled the movement, then proceeded to reassemble the movement. We got to pick a custom dial only available for people that take this class. We also received a custom ratchet wheel with my initials and year. We placed the dial, set the hands, cased the movement, regulated the movement, closed it up and pressure tested it!! And believe it or not it passed!! 👏👏 and I got to bring it home with me!! This scratched the itch for both servicing and coming home with a new watch all at the same time. I will say that if I thought going into watchmaking as a hobby wasn’t for me and this class would prove it I’m here to tell you that didn’t happen!! I can’t wait to go home and keep going.

I found Kuoe Kyoto watches. They are a brand based and started in Kyoto Japan. They have some amazing watches, and at $200-$300 AUD cheaper here than purchasing online I was given a “No more than $600 Chad Smith” brief. I managed to get myself a new watch. See if you can guess which one before the uncle tomorrow.

I've had this exsquisite little piece for just about a week now and it's time I told you all how much I love it. I've been eyeing this watch ever since it was released, and I'm very pleased and rewarded by owning it. I was immediately drawn to the 5-link regalia bracelet, streamlined case, and luxurious, understated simplicity. I went back and forth on dial colors a few times, but ultimately decided on the soleil yellow. This watch wears much like a dress watch with its shallow case profile and simple, elegant indices, but remains casual enough for just about any other outfit. It is the true quiet professional. The warrior in the garden. The weight is substantial enough to really feel like you're wearing something, but without that clunky-chunky feel. It's that kind of feeling you miss instantly when you slip it off. The automatic Miyota 9015 movement has kept this baby wound and running smooth even during days when I only wore it for a few hours in the evenings. This is my first metal bracelet watch in my collection, and I couldn't be happier with it. (Honestly, it exceeded my expectations.) As somewhat more of a working man than an enthusiast, I chose this watch for its versatility and classic, timeless appeal. Tim really knocked it out of the park; not only with an extraordinary high-quality, high-value product, but with superior customer service and communication as well. Absolutely love it

Orient Neo 70s Panda watch! Took a picture of the lume once I got home.